Awards program grows

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It just keeps getting bigger and better. More than 300 people attended the sixth annual Aboriginal Role Models of Alberta dinner and awards at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton Nov. 9. The final figure surprised even Irene Morin, organizer and event founder.

"My target was 250," she said from the Enoch Cree Nation office three weeks later. Acting as hostess of the classy evening featuring a full buffet meal, formal program and entertainment left her tired but exultant.

"It made me feel good when I saw the reactions and looked at peoples' faces as they received their awards."

The welcoming address was made by Enoch Cree Nation Chief Lorne Morin.

"During our short life that we live on this earth, a lot of us don't get recognized for a lot of things. I'm truly honored to speak for all these people; they are hard workers and deserve to be recognized." Master of ceremonies Charles E. Wood noted it's a sad state of affairs when people only get applauded for their contributions after they pass away.

"Our people in communities, wherever they may be, need role models."

In all, 18 First Nations and Metis men and women made their way to the stage to collect impressive framed mementos of their gifts of time, effort and talents to Aboriginal culture and society in general. Categories included everything from sports and art to business and politics. A special lifetime achievement award went to Theresa Gadwa of Kehewin. The other recipients were from across Alberta.

The evening was filled with humor and personal stories of struggle and success as each recipient was introduced then spoke. Most thanked their own role models for helping them along and said they were honored and humbled by the experience of receiving an award.

"I almost cried when Florence Loyie from the Edmonton Journal got hers," admits Morin. "She said her mother was her role model and she wished her father could have been there to see this."

Loyie offered a passionate and earnest message.

"There really aren't enough Aboriginal people in mainstream media," she said. "We don't want to be pigeon-holed into dealing only with Native issues. You can get stuck there and that stops you from learning and growing."

After urging young people to enter journalism to share all manner of stories, she concluded, "Never let people think you can't do something."

Also as part of the evening, Senator Thelma Chalifoux presented the Volunteer of the Year awards to nine recipients.

When it was all over, past award recipient Herb Belcourt delivered closing remarks.

Many family members and friends of award winners, as well as people from the Department of Indian Affairs, attended the evening.

As in previous years, the event had two goals: to celebrate role models and to raise funds for projects of the Enoch First Nation such as drama presentations for students and furniture for an Elders' centre. Staged by volunteers, the 2001 event raised about $12,500 after expenses.

"It was definitely a success," Morin said. "Word is getting out."

Anyone may nominate worthy Aboriginal role model candidates. A panel of five Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people from across the province makes the selections using a defined point system. The deadline for next year is mid-September for a mid-October tentative event date. For more information and nomination forms, contact the Enoch Cree Nation band office at 780-470-4505.